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daratwist

Bathroom Renovation - How much should I do?

6 years ago

I need some input on renovating my upstairs hall bath. It was my children’s bath but now that they are grown it is mostly a bath for guests. It is functionally in good shape but it looks very dated. The cast iron tub looks grungy on the bottom because the non slip surface doesn’t come clean. The surrounding tile is in perfect shape because I had it cleaned and re grouted once the boys left home. The toilet is functional but it looks builder grade. The sink cabinets are in perfect condition because the boys never opened them. They just look 1990’s. The counter top needs to be changed because it is yellowing.

There is a squeak in the floor that drives my husband crazy. So we plan to remove the tile and fix the squeak. So once the tile it up, maybe we should update the bath. My question is –

How much renovation should we do?


Do you think I can install a 6” checkerboard floor tile pattern to incorporate the beige but add white and maybe another color – but keep the beige tile around the tub?

Do you think I can have the tub refinished to a white tub or do you think it needs to go?

What bugs me is the floor tile, the counter top and the toilet. Am I just being cheap or do you think I can update this bathroom without gutting it?

Thank you for your input


Comments (21)

  • 6 years ago

    Your bathroom looks in good shape as do your bath tiles. Start looking at countertops and new light fixtures. Think about color with your tiles. You could have fun putting together options/design board. I’ve seen some wonderful countertops on this site that people are using with white/off white cupboards.

    daratwist thanked motupeg
  • 6 years ago

    Info on dealing with the non-slip tub grunge. https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/clean-bathtub-anti-slip-bottom/

    daratwist thanked chiflipper
  • 6 years ago

    I have been in homes where the children’s bathroom (AKA hall bath) has a counter height meant for children, which is about crotch-height to an adult. If that describes your hall bath counter height, I would definitely raise the cabinet. Children grow up, so a low counter guarantees splashing the front of one’s clothing for anyone over ten. The all-beige look is the most obvious problem. If you are changing the floor, bring in some color. Paint and new accessories (towels, soap dispenser, and even glassed art) are inexpensive.

    daratwist thanked felizlady
  • 6 years ago

    How would you feel about a spectacular wallpaper in the sink room (not the tub- shower room) after you get the basics done? The link chiflipper posted has an impressive video link, too.

    daratwist thanked apple_pie_order
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I think new lighting, a fresh new color of paint, and some framed mirrors would definitely help give your bathroom an updated look!

  • 6 years ago

    FrameMyMirror, BUT, the floor has to come up...... and the counter is shot because it has yellowed.

    The photo doesn't represent the color very well. The actual color is Vapor by Benjamin Moore. It is a very soft beige not nearly as awful as the photo.

  • 6 years ago

    The tub tile looks like it's in good shape. I would retile the floor in a larger format updated tile that incorporates white and beige, and then get a new toilet. Replace your shower curtain with a textured white or patterned one in softer colors. Since you have to replace the countertops, I would use a white quartz, white under mount sinks, and paint the cabinets the same beige as your shower tile. Then paint the walls in a very pale blue since you have no windows, to lighten and freshen the space.

    daratwist thanked calidesign
  • 6 years ago

    Good ideas calidesign.

  • 6 years ago

    Since you’re changing the tile floor, look for something interesting and modern. There are a lot of beautiful patterned porcelain tiles out there to discover. You should remove the mirrors too. New faucets and lighting don’t have to be expensive. If the vanity is the right height and size, just paint it. Search out leftover pieces at stone yards for the countertop since it’s not a big piece. I would out a new shower curtain in the tub area once the tiles are installed. Add new towels and you’re done. But make the floor the showstopper and the whole room will look better.

    daratwist thanked RedRyder
  • 6 years ago

    In addition to replacing the countertop with quartz/updating mirror and light fixtures/new shower curtain and paint job, I would suggest replacing the mounding around the interior door and around the floor with something more substantial but modern.

    daratwist thanked Diane Meyers
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    IMO it depends on how long you will be living there as to how much you should do. Refinishing tubs is IMO a stop gap solution maybe a better choice would be Bathfitter then the beige tiles would not be driving all the choices and it is done in a day and the finish is very easy to care for. Not cheap to have done but the bonus no mess for days. The space is very dated but what is the rest of the house like? I guess if it was mine I would gut it and have one nice larger space without the 2 spaces that really don’t make sense. I always like my guest space to feel like a high end hotel and the reno will be a selling point whenever you decide to sell.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The tile is in great shape but that beige tub would bother me and imo will detract from the update. But replacing the tub will be a lot of work. I would check into re-glazing it IF you can get the grunge off of the nonstick surface. If not, then I would replace it. We have grunge in our hall bathtub too so let me know if you are able to get it clean!!

    I agree with finding a spectacular patterned probably larger format tile for the floor maybe with a tiny speck of beige to pretend you wanted all beige tile on the tub wall. Replace the toilet with a white stylish toilet. If the vanity is "short" consider a really beefy thick countertop or raise the vanity by adding to the bottom of the cabinet. Paint the vanity with a color that matches or compliments the floor tile, change out the light, faucets and door hardware. Paint the walls.

    Also, I don't mind the 2 spaces. Especially for a guest bath.

    daratwist thanked P M
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I did a quick look and I don't think you will have a problem finding patterned tile that incorporates the beige tile color. And probably replace the mirror with two framed mirrors , one framed mirror or frame the current mirror.

    daratwist thanked P M
  • 6 years ago

    How often do you have guests that will actually use the shower/tub area?

    I know when I am a guest, I never use the tub, I shower.

    I personally would remove the tub/shower and go with a walk- in shower only. That will be the most expensive part but well worth the upgrade. I did this with my guest bathroom and have never regretted spending the money.

  • 6 years ago

    Definitely keep the 2 spaces! Reglaze the tub. New floor tiles and vanity counter, lighting, would be amazing. if you really want to spend some money on something, take the old tile off around the surround and run new tile all the way up to the ceiling. That would be where I'd spend the extra money, rather than messing with the toilet or anything else.

  • 6 years ago

    How much longer will you stay in this home?
    If there is not another tub, removing the one and only may hurt resale.
    Once you start removing floor tile, you may find underlying structural issues.
    Will you be happy if you partially re-do?
    Will grown children someday come visit with families of there own?
    Sorry I don’t have suggestions, but only the questions I needed to answer. In my case the hall, aka guest bath I removed bulkheld over the good shape tub and toilet, and put in new floors, cabinet,mirrors and lighting.

    daratwist thanked Valinta
  • 6 years ago

    Toilets are cheap -- like $100 cheap -- so if the current one makes you sad, replace it for sure.


    Once you get past the tile, it's easy to slide into an ever larger project, so be sure you know your limits going in. I agree that the tan tub is a bummer, but if you remove it, you're paying for all new waterproofing and wall tile too.


    I would lean toward a new toilet, brighter wall color, and a new vanity top if it would make you feel better about having guests use it. Leave the rest, and get a very cheerful shower curtain and some towels that match.


    Shower Curtain Unique from DiaNoche Designs by Carrie Schmitt - Wild Divinity · More Info


    daratwist thanked acm
  • 6 years ago

    Excellent points ACM. I would like to keep the tub because it is darn expensive to replace the surrounding tile is in perfect condition. Yes, we will replace the toilet because it makes sense. We actually need to move the toilet 6 to 8 inches because it is just 15" from the tub and while it makes code, it is jammed. NKBA says 18" is much better. So, we are changing the floor tile, toilet and countertop for sure. We will leave the tub and MAYBE re-glaze it. The room looks darker than it really is, but I am going to add or change some lighting. You have made me realize that I should look at shower curtains as a starting point. Just like other rooms, we always look at the fabrics first, then choose the tile.....


    While some people have suggested that I convert the bath to a shower, when we sell the house someday, it will probably be a children's bathroom. So, we will leave it for next owners to decide if they want a shower only.... Thank you everyone for taking the time to chime in.

  • 6 years ago

    I didn't think that the room was dark, but just that the tan wallpaper plays up the tones you're trying to get away from, while something like a white (or a pale blue-gray) would freshen it up.


    Sounds like you're on your way!

  • 6 years ago

    A good, reputable reglazing company can absolutely take care of the tub. Removing it is a huge headache and expense. Not worth it. Go for good design with the tiles and a shower curtain. Guests usually shower and if the bathroom feels new and updated they will feel like it’s a hotel. Nice towels matter too, and that isn’t part of any remodel.